🔗 Share this article

The administration has introduced the branding for the new national rail body, marking a significant step in its plans to take the railways under public control.

A National Palette and Historic Symbol

The fresh livery incorporates a Union Flag-inspired colour scheme to mirror the national flag and will be rolled out on rolling stock, at railway stations, and across its online presence.

Interestingly, the symbol is the distinctive double-arrow symbol historically used by the national rail network and originally introduced in the 1960s for the former state operator.

A Rollout Strategy

The rollout of the branding, which was designed in-house, is set to happen in phases.

Passengers are expected to begin noticing the newly-branded services across the network from next spring.

Throughout December, the visuals will be showcased at prominent stations, such as Glasgow Central.

The Journey to Nationalisation

The legislation, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the legislative process.

The administration has argued it is bringing back into public ownership the railways so the system is "owned by the people, operating for the passengers, not for corporate interests."

GBR will bring the running of passenger trains and tracks and signals under a single organisation.

The government has said it will combine seventeen different bodies and "cut through the problematic bureaucracy and poor accountability that continues to plague the railways."

Digital Features and Current Public Control

The introduction of GBR will also feature a dedicated mobile application, which will enable customers to see schedules and reserve journeys without surcharges.

Accessibility passengers will also be able to use the application to arrange support.

A number of train companies had already been taken into public control under the previous government, including Southeastern.

There are currently seven train operators already in public hands, accounting for about a one-third of passenger trips.

In the past year, Greater Anglia have been brought into public ownership, with more expected to follow in the coming years.

Ministerial and Sector Reaction

"The new design isn't just a new logo," said the relevant minister. It represents "a fresh start, shedding the problems of the previous system and focused solely on offering a proper service for the public."

Industry representatives have acknowledged the government's commitment to bettering services.

"We will carry on to collaborate with relevant bodies to ensure a seamless changeover to the new system," one executive added.